Turn In Expired, Unwanted or Unused Pharmaceuticals & OTC Medicines

The Orland Park Police Department will again participate in National Take Back Day sponsored by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency.

The public is invited to turn in expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutical drugs and over-the-counter medications to the Orland Park Police Department on Saturday October 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The station is located at 15100 South Ravinia Avenue.

Unused drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal consumption and pose an unacceptable risk to public health and safety. The Orland Park Police Department coordinates its effort with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to bring national focus to the issue of pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse.

"This is a great public service that helps to keep unwanted drugs out of the wrong hands," said Trustee Patricia Gira, chair of the village's Public Safety Committee. "Residents can turn in the drugs they no longer need and have peace of mind that they will be disposed of in a safe and legal manner."

The confidential and anonymous service is free of charge. Syringes, sharps, needles, glass containers, any type of liquids or illegal drugs will not be accepted.

According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA's Take-Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

Since the DEA's creation of the Drug Take-Back Day in 2010, more than four tons of prescription drugs have been safely collected nationally.

"This is one way our department works to combat the drug issue in our community and the region," said Police Chief Tim McCarthy. "I encourage everyone to go through their cabinets for expired or unwanted drugs. People should never throw away or dump old drugs down the sink or flush them down the toilet."

"In Orland Park, we collected more than 700 pounds during our April drug take-back. Since starting the program in 2012, the Orland Park Police Department has collected approximately 6000 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription drugs," said Lt. Eric Rossi. "This prevents misuse and avoids contaminating our lakes, streams and rivers."

In addition to the twice-yearly Drug Take-Back Days, OPPD offers a year-round collection, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the station.

Medications are not accepted at the police station on holidays. Liquid drugs, aerosol medications and hypodermic needles and syringes are not accepted.

Instructions for how to safety dispose of sharps or syringes are available by calling Waste Management at 1-800-796-9696.